Effects on The Environment
The potential for the Mississippi River to run dry has wide-ranging consequences for the regional environment. Studies suggest that a reduction in water flow would lead to an increase in sedimentation, which has a knock-on effect for fish populations and riverine plant interests. Reduced water flow can also mean higher temperatures, which can create an imbalance in water chemistry, affecting the level of oxygen and the ability for plant life to thrive.
Moreover, without a reliable source of water, many plants and animals that rely on the Mississippi River to survive would face a decline, further decreasing the overall biodiversity in the area. Furthermore, a decrease in water levels can lead to a drop in water pressure, which could then reduce the quality of drinking water and put human lives in danger.
Effects on Industry, Commerce and Tourism
A decline in the water level of the Mississippi is likely to have an effect on business and industry in the region. Taking the United States as an example, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers, 5,000 of the nation’s 12,000 manufacturing plants on the Mississippi rely on it for a reliable source of water. Agriculture will also be adversely affected, as 20,000 square miles surrounding the river are used for irrigation and watering livestock. In addition, business from the shipping and transportation industries would suffer due to reduced freight and traffic on the river.
The decline in tourism would also be catastrophic, as the Mississippi River offers visitors spectacular views and recreational opportunities. Tourists also contribute to the economy of cities adjacent to the Mississippi, with many historical and popular sites existing along its banks.
Miscellaneous Reasons for Mississippi Water Depletion
The Mississippi River is also affected by a number of miscellaneous factors such as urban and agricultural water runoff, drought cycles and climate change. Therefore, a variety of actions must be taken to ensure its longevity. These could include reducing water usage, controlling agricultural drainage and conserving energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Other causes of water depletion are engineering and construction activities, such as building a dam or reservoir. Although these projects can help reduce flooding and repair the environment in some respects, they also divert water away from the river. This can lead to a decrease in water flow and an increase in the number of water respites – pools of stagnant water which emit methane and therefore contribute to global warming.
When Will the Mississippi River Run Dry?
Although much work has been done in order to improve water conservation and prevention measures, it is difficult to be certain of when the Mississippi River will eventually run dry. Alternative water sources have been proposed, such as Lake Okeechobee in Florida, however these are also too costly. That said, as a result of numerous preventative measures put in place since the 1950s, it is thought by many experts that the Mississippi River has a much longer lifespan than previously expected.
The Impact of Global Climate Change
Climate change is also profoundly changing the landscape of the Mississippi River. A rise in average temperatures has caused the greenhouse gases emitted by vehicles and factories along the river to increase. This creates a feedback loop in the atmosphere, resulting in further warming and ultimately a decrease in water flow.
Furthermore, the rise of sea levels due to melting polar ice caps is also thought to be a contributing factor. It is believed that an increase in sea levels can interfere with the natural discharge of water from the Mississippi into the Gulf of Mexico, leading to an overall decrease in water levels. In addition, rising temperatures can also increase the amount of evaporation, leading to a decrease in available water.
Increasing Water Conservation to Extend the Life of the Mississippi River
In order to extend the life of the Mississippi River and lessen the impact on our environment, it is important to conserve water wherever possible. This can be done through various methods, such as limiting water sources used for irrigation, reducing water wastage through dripping taps or faulty pipes, andwater-saving initiatives in both agriculture and industry.
In addition, developing countries that form part of the Mississippi Watershed (such as Mexico and Guatemala) must also take responsibility for their carbon footprint and take steps to reduce their consumption of water. Precautions must also be taken against floods and droughts, as these can have a direct effect on the water levels of the Mississippi. Ultimately, by working together to ensure the sustainability of our water sources and the ecosystems that depend on them, the Mississippi River can continue to exist for generations to come.
Sustainable Infrastructure Solutions
Infrastructure projects, such as dams and reservoirs, can be beneficial for river systems, as they can help to reduce flooding and strengthen the infrastructure of the area. As such, a number of countries in the Mississippi Watershed have been investing in various water infrastructure solutions to both reduce sedimentation and improve water quality.
These solutions can include the use of retention ponds and artificial wetlands, which can act as buffer zones to hold and filter water before it is released back into the main river. Plants and trees can also be used to provide natural shades, thus cooling the waterways and increasing its oxygen supply. Additionally, dams can be used to manage water levels and also reduce erosion.
The Mississippi River also provides numerous economic benefits to the region, not least of all through improved navigability. Improved navigability has allowed for more efficient transport of goods and services, which has in turn resulted in the growth of the local economy. Furthermore, the navigable waters of the Mississippi can also provide numerous recreational activities such as fishing, boating and swimming, encouraging people to visit the area and contributing towards increased tourism.
Raising Public Awareness
Ultimately, it is up to the global community to take responsibility for the environmental sustainability of the Mississippi River. As such, raising public awareness about the importance of preserving our natural resources is essential. For example, educating people about the consequences of water pollution and global warming, as well as offering practical solutions on how to reduce water wastage, could help to reduce the negative impact of the Mississippi River’s reduction of water.
Other initiatives include raising money to be invested in water conservation projects, and creating opportunities for people to volunteer their time to clean up the river and its tributaries. Finally, advocating for stronger legislation in governments across the Mississippi Watershed to protect the river and curb pollution could play a vital role in preserving the river for future generations.
